Dear El Paso Stockholder:

Transcription

1 Dear El Paso Stockholder: We cordially invite you to attend our 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Annual Meeting will be held on May 26, 2005 beginning at 9:00 a.m. (local/central time) at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar Street, Houston, Texas At this year's Annual Meeting, you will be asked to vote on the election of directors, the approval of the El Paso Corporation 2005 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, the approval of the El Paso Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and the ratiñcation of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's appointment as our independent auditors. With regard to the election of directors, you should know that your company is well-governed. By any of the multitude of contemporary measures of good corporate governance, we are a leader. Eleven of our 12 nominee directors are independent. We have a separate Chairman and CEO. We do not have a staggered board, so each of our directors stands for election every year, and we do not have a poison pill plan. But as important as any of this, we have an active and engaged Board with the right mix of leadership, industry, Ñnance, academic and legal experience to help guide this company. We are asking for your approval of the El Paso Corporation 2005 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. With regard to our non-employee director compensation program, you should know that we ensure our directors' compensation levels align with current market trends and reöect sound corporate governance practices. Our directors do not receive fees for attending regularly scheduled Board or committee meetings; they do not receive special committee meeting fees and they do not have retirement beneñts. Our directors are paid annual retainers in a combination of cash and deferred shares of company stock, and they do not receive any of their deferred compensation until they cease to be a director of the company. We are also asking for your approval of the El Paso Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan. If you approve the Board's proposal to adopt this plan, it will replace all existing stockholder approved and non-stockholder approved equity plans, and we will cancel all remaining shares available for grant under the former plans and will not make any further grants from these plans. Our goal is that we have an equity plan from which all shares available for grant to our executives and employees will be approved by our stockholders. I urge you to vote for your Board's nominees, the two new plans and the ratiñcation of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Your vote is important. I hope you will be able to attend the meeting, but if you cannot, please vote your proxy as soon as you can. Sincerely, Houston, Texas April 7, 2005 DOUGLAS L. FOSHEE President and Chief Executive OÇcer

2 EL PASO CORPORATION 1001 Louisiana Street Houston, Texas NOTICE OF 2005 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS May 26, 2005 On May 26, 2005, El Paso Corporation will hold its 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Houston, Texas The Annual Meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. (local/central time). Only El Paso stockholders who owned shares of our common stock at the close of business on March 28, 2005, are entitled to notice of, and can vote at, this Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements that may take place. At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to take action and consider proposals to: 1. Elect 12 directors, each to hold oçce for a term of one year; 2. Approve the El Paso Corporation 2005 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors; 3. Approve the El Paso Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan; and 4. Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent certiñed public accountants to audit El Paso's Ñnancial statements for the Ñscal year ending December 31, These proposals are described in the attached proxy statement. We will also attend to any other business properly presented at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting. By the Order of the Board of Directors Houston, Texas April 7, 2005 David L. Siddall Corporate Secretary

3 ATTENDING THE MEETING If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person and are a stockholder of record, bring with you a form of government-issued personal identiñcation to the Annual Meeting. If you own stock through a bank, broker or other nominee, you will need proof of ownership as of the record date to attend the Annual Meeting. If you are an authorized proxy holder, you must present the proper documentation. Please see pages 3 and 4 for more information on what documents you will need for admission to the Annual Meeting. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. (local/central time), and seating will be on a ""Ñrst come Ñrst served'' basis. No cameras, recording equipment or other electronic devices will be allowed in the meeting room. If you do not provide photo identiñcation or comply with the other procedures outlined above upon request, you may not be admitted to the Annual Meeting.

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Proxy Statement Number General Information about the Annual Meeting and Voting ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 2 Corporate Governance ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 6 Information about the Board of Directors and Committees ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 9 Proposal No. 1 Ì Election of Directors ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 15 Security Ownership of Certain BeneÑcial Owners and ManagementÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 19 Executive Compensation ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 21 Summary Compensation Table ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 21 Option Grants in 2004ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 23 Aggregated Option Exercises in 2004 and Fiscal Year-End Option Values ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 24 Pension Plan ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 24 Performance Graph ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 26 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 27 Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 27 Audit Committee Report ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 34 Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment, Change in Control Arrangements and Director and OÇcer IndemniÑcation Agreements ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 37 Employment Agreements ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 37 BeneÑt PlansÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 37 Director and OÇcer IndemniÑcation Agreements ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 40 Equity Compensation Plan Information Table ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 41 Proposal No. 2 Ì Approval of El Paso Corporation 2005 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 43 Proposal No. 3 Ì Approval of El Paso Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan 46 Proposal No. 4 Ì RatiÑcation of Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent CertiÑed Public Accountants ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 54 Section 16(a) BeneÑcial Ownership Reporting ComplianceÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 56 Exhibit A: Audit Committee Charter ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ A-1 Exhibit B: El Paso Corporation 2005 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee DirectorsÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ B-1 Exhibit C: El Paso Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ C-1 1

5 EL PASO CORPORATION 1001 Louisiana Street Houston, Texas PROXY STATEMENT 2005 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS Ì May 26, 2005 Our Board of Directors is furnishing you with this proxy statement to solicit proxies on its behalf to be voted at the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of El Paso Corporation. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Houston, Texas 77010, on Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. (local/ Central time). The proxies also may be voted at any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting. This proxy statement, the notice of Annual Meeting and the enclosed proxy card are being mailed to stockholders beginning on or about April 7, All properly executed written proxies that are delivered pursuant to this solicitation will be voted at the Annual Meeting. Each person who is an El Paso stockholder of record at the close of business on March 28, 2005, the record date, is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, or at adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting. 1. Who can vote? GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING Stockholders holding shares of El Paso's common stock, par value $3.00 per share, as of the close of business on the record date, March 28, 2005, represented by a properly executed proxy are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, or any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting. You have one vote for each share of common stock held as of the record date, which may be voted on each proposal presented at the Annual Meeting. 2. What is the record date and what does it mean? The record date for the Annual Meeting is March 28, The record date was established by the Board of Directors as required by our By-laws and Delaware law. Owners of record of El Paso's common stock at the close of business on the record date are entitled to: A. receive notice of the Annual Meeting; and B. vote at the Annual Meeting, and any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting. 3. How many shares of El Paso common stock were outstanding on the record date? There were 644,570,086 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting at the close of business on the record date. Common stock is the only class of stock entitled to vote. 4. How do I vote? You can vote in person at the Annual Meeting or by proxy. For shares that you hold directly as a registered shareholder, you have three ways to vote by proxy: A. Connect to the Internet at B. Call PRX-VOTE ( ); or C. Complete the proxy card and mail it back to us. Complete instructions for voting your shares can be found on your proxy card. 2

6 If you change your mind on any issue, you may revoke your proxy at any time before the close of voting at the Annual Meeting. There are four ways to revoke your proxy: A. Connect to the Internet at B. Call PRX-VOTE ( ); C. Write our Corporate Secretary, David L. Siddall, El Paso Corporation, P.O. Box 2511, Houston, Texas ; or D. Give notice of revocation to the Inspector of Election at the Annual Meeting. 5. How do I vote if my shares are held in street name? If your shares of common stock are held in the name of your broker, a bank, or other nominee, only your broker, bank or other nominee may execute a proxy and vote your shares. However, your broker, bank, or other nominee may not vote your shares in respect of our proposals to approve the El Paso Corporation 2005 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors and the El Paso Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan unless they receive speciñc voting instructions from you. Please sign, date and promptly return the instruction card you received from your broker, bank or other nominee, in accordance with the instructions on the card. You may vote by the Internet or telephone if your bank or broker makes those methods available, in which case you can follow the instructions on the card. If you wish to vote your ""street name'' shares directly, you will need to obtain a document known as a ""legal proxy'' from your broker, bank or other nominee. Please contact your bank, broker or other nominee if you wish to do so. 6. What happens if I do not specify a choice for a proposal when returning a proxy? You should specify your choice for each proposal on the proxy card. If no instructions are given, proxy cards that are signed and returned will be voted ""FOR'' the election of all El Paso director nominees, ""FOR'' the approval of the El Paso Corporation 2005 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, ""FOR'' the approval of the El Paso Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and ""FOR'' the proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 7. What happens if other matters come up at the Annual Meeting? The matters described in the notice of Annual Meeting are the only matters we know of which will be voted on at the Annual Meeting. If other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the proxy holders, Douglas L. Foshee, El Paso's President and Chief Executive OÇcer, and Robert W. Baker, El Paso's Executive Vice President and General Counsel, will vote your shares at their discretion. 8. Who will count the votes? A representative of EquiServe Trust Company, N.A., an independent tabulator appointed by the Board of Directors, will count the votes and act as the inspector of election. The inspector of election shall have the authority to receive, inspect, electronically tally and determine the validity of the proxies received. 9. What is a ""quorum''? A ""quorum'' is a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock and is required to hold the Annual Meeting. A quorum is determined by counting shares of common stock present in person at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy. If you submit a properly executed proxy, you will be considered part of the quorum even if you abstain from voting. 10. Who can attend the Annual Meeting? Admission to the Annual Meeting is limited to stockholders of El Paso, persons holding validly executed proxies from stockholders who held El Paso common stock on March 28, 2005, and invited guests of El Paso. 3

7 If you are a stockholder of El Paso, you must bring certain documents with you in order to be admitted to the Annual Meeting. The purpose of this requirement is to help us verify that you are actually a stockholder of El Paso. Please read the following rules carefully because they specify the documents that you must bring with you to the Annual Meeting in order to be admitted. The items that you must bring with you diåer depending upon whether you are a record holder or hold your stock in ""street name''. Proof of ownership of El Paso stock must be shown at the door. Failure to provide adequate proof that you were a stockholder on the record date may prevent you from being admitted to the Annual Meeting. If you were a record holder of El Paso common stock on March 28, 2005, then you must bring a valid government-issued personal identiñcation (such as a driver's license or passport). If a broker, bank or other nominee was the record holder of your shares of El Paso common stock on March 28, 2005, then you must bring: Valid government-issued personal identiñcation (such as a driver's license or passport), and Proof that you owned shares of El Paso common stock on March 28, Examples of proof of ownership include the following: (1) a letter from your bank or broker stating that you owned El Paso common stock on March 28, 2005; (2) a brokerage account statement indicating that you owned El Paso common stock on March 28, 2005; or (3) the voting instruction card provided by your broker indicating that you owned El Paso common stock on March 28, If you are a proxy holder for a stockholder of El Paso, then you must bring: The validly executed proxy naming you as the proxy holder, signed by a stockholder of El Paso who owned shares of El Paso common stock on March 28, 2005, and Valid government-issued personal identiñcation (such as a driver's license or passport), and If the stockholder whose proxy you hold was not a record holder of El Paso common stock on March 28, 2005, proof of the stockholder's ownership of shares of El Paso common stock on March 28, 2005, in the form of a letter or statement from a bank, broker or other nominee indicating that the stockholder owned El Paso common stock on March 28, You may not use cameras, recording equipment or other electronic devices during the Annual Meeting. 11. How many votes must each proposal receive to be adopted? With respect to the election of directors, the 12 nominees who receive the highest number of votes at the Annual Meeting will be elected. With respect to Proposals No. 2 and 3, the approval of the El Paso Corporation 2005 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors and the El Paso Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, each plan must receive the açrmative vote of more than 50 percent of the shares of common stock represented by person or proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote. All other proposals must receive the açrmative vote of more than 50 percent of the votes cast on the proposal. 12. How are votes counted? Votes are counted in accordance with El Paso's By-laws and Delaware law. An abstention by a stockholder with respect to a proposal is not counted in the tally of votes ""FOR'' or ""AGAINST'' that proposal, and therefore does not aåect the outcome of the proposal. A broker non-vote with respect to the election of directors or any proposal will not be counted in determining the election of directors or whether the proposal is approved. A broker non-vote or abstention will be counted towards a quorum. If a stockholder returns an executed proxy card but does not indicate how his or her shares are to be voted, the shares covered by such proxy card will be included in determining if there is a quorum and will also be counted as votes 4

8 ""FOR'' the election of El Paso's nominees, ""FOR'' the approval of the El Paso Corporation 2005 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, ""FOR'' the approval of the El Paso Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and ""FOR'' the proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Our By-laws refer to such a returned and executed proxy card as a ""non-vote by a stockholder.'' Shares will not be voted at the Annual Meeting if no properly executed proxy card covering those shares has been returned and the holder does not cast votes in respect of those shares in person at the Annual Meeting. 13. Do I have to vote? No. However, we strongly urge you to vote. You may vote for all, some or none of El Paso's director nominees. You may abstain from voting or vote ""FOR'' or ""AGAINST'' the other proposals. 14. How can I view the stockholder list? A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available to view during the Annual Meeting. You may access this list at El Paso's oçces at 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas during ordinary business hours for a period of ten days before the Annual Meeting. 15. Who pays for the proxy solicitation related to the Annual Meeting? We do. In addition to sending you these materials, some of our directors and oçcers as well as management and non-management employees may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person. You may also be solicited by means of press releases issued by El Paso, postings on our website, and advertisements in periodicals. None of our oçcers or employees will receive any extra compensation for soliciting you. We have retained Georgeson Shareholder Communications, Inc. to assist us in soliciting your proxy for an estimated fee of $15,000, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Georgeson will ask brokerage houses and other custodians and nominees whether other persons are beneñcial owners of El Paso common stock. If so, we will supply them with additional copies of the proxy materials for distribution to the beneñcial owners. We will also reimburse banks, nominees, Ñduciaries, brokers and other custodians for their costs of sending the proxy materials to the beneñcial owners of El Paso common stock. 16. If I want to submit a stockholder proposal for the 2006 Annual Meeting, when is it due? If you want to submit a proposal for possible inclusion in next year's proxy statement, you must submit it in writing to the Corporate Secretary, El Paso Corporation, P.O. Box 2511, Houston, Texas , telephone (713) and facsimile (713) El Paso must receive your proposal on or before December 8, El Paso will consider only proposals meeting the requirements of the applicable rules of the Securities Exchange Commission (""SEC''). Additionally, under El Paso's By-law provisions, for a stockholder to bring any matter before the 2006 Annual Meeting that is not included in the 2006 Proxy Statement, the stockholder's written notice must be received not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the Ñrst anniversary of the 2005 Annual Meeting. Under this criteria, stockholders must provide us with a notice of a matter to be brought before the 2006 Annual Meeting between January 26, 2006 and February 25, If the 2006 Annual Meeting is held more than 30 days before or 60 days after May 26, 2006, for a stockholder seeking to bring any matter before the 2006 Annual Meeting, the stockholder's written notice must be received not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days before the date of the 2006 Annual Meeting or by the tenth day after we publicly announce the date of the 2006 Annual Meeting, if that would result in a later deadline. 17. How can I receive the proxy materials electronically? If you want to stop receiving paper copies of the proxy materials, you must consent to electronic delivery. You can give consent by going to and following the instructions. Those of you that hold 5

9 shares with a broker under a street name can give consent by going to and following the instructions. 18. How can I obtain a copy of the Annual Report? A copy of El Paso's 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders is being mailed with this proxy statement to each stockholder entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you do not receive a copy of the Annual Report, you may obtain one free of charge by writing or calling Mr. David L. Siddall, Corporate Secretary, at El Paso Corporation, P.O. Box 2511, Houston, Texas , telephone (713) and facsimile (713) CORPORATE GOVERNANCE El Paso is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance. We believe that strong corporate governance is critical to achieving our performance goals, and to maintaining the trust and conñdence of investors, employees, suppliers, business partners and other stakeholders. A summary of El Paso's Corporate Governance Guidelines is set forth below. Independence of Board Members. A key element for strong corporate governance is independent members of the Board of Directors. El Paso is committed to having more than a majority (our Governance Guidelines require at least 75 percent be non-management) of its Board of Directors be comprised of independent directors. Pursuant to the New York Stock Exchange (""NYSE'') corporate governance rules, and other criteria, a director will be considered independent if the Board determines that he or she does not have a material relationship with El Paso (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or oçcer of an organization that has a material relationship with El Paso). As part of this determination, the Board also considers any donations by El Paso or its Foundation to civic and charitable organizations with which any director nominee may have an association. Based on these criteria, the Board has açrmatively determined that Juan Carlos BraniÅ, James L. Dunlap, Robert W. Goldman, Anthony W. Hall, Jr., Thomas R. Hix, William H. Joyce, Ronald L. Kuehn, Jr., J. Michael Talbert, Robert F. Vagt, John L. Whitmire and Joe B. Wyatt are ""independent'' under the NYSE listing standards. Thus, 11 of the 12 nominees for the El Paso Board (92 percent) are independent. Further, our Audit, Compensation, Governance & Nominating, Finance and Health, Safety & Environmental Committees are composed entirely of independent directors. Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Audit Committee plays an important role in promoting eåective corporate governance, and it is imperative that members of the Audit Committee have requisite Ñnancial literacy and expertise. All members of El Paso's Audit Committee meet the Ñnancial literacy standard required by the NYSE rules and at least one member qualiñes as having accounting or related Ñnancial management expertise under the NYSE rules. In addition, as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC adopted rules requiring that public companies disclose whether or not its audit committee has an ""audit committee Ñnancial expert'' as a member. An ""audit committee Ñnancial expert'' is deñned as a person who, based on his or her experience, satisñes all of the following attributes: An understanding of generally-accepted accounting principles and Ñnancial statements. An ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals, and reserves. Experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating Ñnancial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and level of complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by El Paso's Ñnancial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more persons engaged in such activities. An understanding of internal controls and procedures for Ñnancial reporting. An understanding of audit committee functions. 6

10 The Board of Directors has açrmatively determined that Messrs. Hix and Goldman each satisfy the deñnition of ""audit committee Ñnancial expert,'' and has designated each of them as an ""audit committee Ñnancial expert.'' Non-Executive Chairman. Mr. Kuehn currently serves as the Chairman of El Paso's Board of Directors in a non-executive capacity. As the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Kuehn has a number of responsibilities, which include setting board meeting agendas in collaboration with the CEO, presiding at Board meetings, executive sessions and the annual stockholders meeting, assigning tasks to the appropriate committees, and ensuring that information Öows openly between management and the Board. Stockholders may communicate directly with Mr. Kuehn by writing to Chairman of the Board, c/o Corporate Secretary, El Paso Corporation, P.O. Box 2511, Houston, Texas , facsimile (713) Executive Sessions of Board of Directors. El Paso holds regular executive sessions in which non-management Board members meet without any members of management present. Currently, Mr. Kuehn presides over the executive sessions. During 2004, non-management directors met in executive session seven times. The purpose of these executive sessions is to promote open and candid discussion among the non-management directors. Committees of Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has adopted charters for the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Governance & Nominating Committee that comply with the corporate governance rules adopted by the SEC pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the NYSE listing standards. The Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Governance & Nominating Committee, the Finance Committee and the Health, Safety & Environmental Committee charters may be found on our website at Board/Committee/Director Evaluations. During 2004, the Board of Directors and each Board committee participated in self-evaluation and assessment processes in order to improve the eçciency and eåectiveness of the Board, its committees and each director. Director Education. El Paso encourages and facilitates director participation in seminars and conferences and other opportunities for continuing director education. During 2004, certain of our directors attended educational programs designed by a nationally recognized board educational organization. Also, each of our directors is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. Mandatory Retirement. Our directors are subject to a mandatory retirement age and cannot stand for reelection in the calendar year following their 72 nd birthday. Mr. Bissell has reached the mandatory retirement age and will not be standing for reelection at our Annual Meeting. Stock Ownership Requirements. Our Board of Directors is committed to director and senior management stock ownership. Directors are required to own shares of El Paso common stock with a value of three times the annual cash retainer paid to non-employee directors. The Board also requires that the CEO own shares of El Paso common stock with a value of at least three times his or her annual base salary, and that other executive oçcers own El Paso common stock with a value of at least two times his or her base salary. Corporate Governance Guidelines. Our corporate governance guidelines, together with the Board committee charters, provide the framework for the eåective governance of El Paso. The Board of Directors has adopted the El Paso Corporate Governance Guidelines to address matters including qualiñcations for directors, responsibilities of directors, mandatory retirement for directors, the composition and responsibility of committees, conduct and minimum frequency of Board and committee meetings, management succession, director access to management and outside advisors, director compensation, stock ownership requirements, director orientation and continuing education, annual self-evaluation of the Board, its committees and directors and El Paso's policy on poison pills. The Board of Directors recognizes that eåective corporate governance is an on-going process, and the Board, either directly or through the Governance & Nominating Committee, will review the El Paso Corporate Governance Guidelines annually, or more frequently if deemed necessary. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines may be found on our website at 7

11 Code of Ethics. El Paso has adopted a code of ethics, the ""Code of Business Conduct,'' that applies to all of its directors and employees, including its Chief Executive OÇcer, Chief Financial OÇcer and senior Ñnancial and accounting oçcers. The Code of Business Conduct is a value-based code that is built on El Paso's Ñve core values: stewardship, integrity, safety, accountability and excellence. In addition to other matters, the Code of Business Conduct establishes policies to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct, including ethical handling of actual or apparent conöicts of interest, compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in public communications and prompt internal reporting violations of the Code of Business Conduct. El Paso also has an Ethics & Compliance OÇce and Ethics & Compliance Committee, composed of members of senior management, that administers El Paso's ethics and compliance program. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct is available on our website at El Paso will post on its internet website all waivers to or amendments of its Code of Business Conduct, which are required to be disclosed by applicable law and rules of the NYSE listing standards. Currently, El Paso does not have nor does it anticipate any waivers to or amendments of its Code of Business Conduct. We believe El Paso's Code of Business Conduct exceeds the requirements set forth in the applicable SEC regulations and the corporate governance rules of the NYSE. Policy on Poison Pill Plans. The El Paso Corporate Governance Guidelines includes a policy on poison pills, or stockholder rights plans. El Paso does not currently have in place any stockholders rights plan, and the Board currently has no plans to adopt such a plan. However, if the Board is presented with a set of facts and circumstances which leads it to conclude that adopting a stockholder rights plan would be in the best interests of stockholders, the Board will seek prior stockholder approval unless the Board, in exercising its Ñduciary responsibilities under the circumstances, determines by vote of a majority of the independent directors that such submission would not be in the best interests of El Paso's stockholders in the circumstances. If the Board were ever to adopt a stockholder rights plan without prior stockholder approval, the Board would present such plan to the stockholders for ratiñcation within one year or cause it to expire within one year, without being renewed or replaced. Further, if the Board adopts a stockholder rights plan and El Paso's stockholders do not approve such plan, it will terminate. Web Access. El Paso provides access through its website to current information relating to corporate governance, including a copy of each of the Board's standing committee charters, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, El Paso's Code of Business Conduct, El Paso's Restated CertiÑcate of Incorporation and By-laws, biographical information concerning each director, and other matters regarding our corporate governance principles. El Paso also provides access through its website to all Ñlings submitted by El Paso to the SEC. El Paso's website is and access to this information is free of any charge to the user (except for any internet provider or telephone charges). Copies will also be provided to any stockholder upon request. Information contained on our website is not part of this proxy statement. Process for Shareholder Communication with the Board. El Paso's Board has established a process for interested parties to communicate with the Board. Such communications should be in writing, addressed to the Board or an individual director, c/o Mr. David L. Siddall, Corporate Secretary, El Paso Corporation, P.O. Box 2511, Houston, Texas The Corporate Secretary will forward all communications to the addressee. Director Attendance at Annual Meeting. The Board encourages all director nominees standing for election to attend the Annual Meeting in accordance with El Paso's Corporate Governance Guidelines. All incumbent directors who were elected at El Paso's 2004 Annual Meeting attended El Paso's 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. 8

12 INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES The Board of Directors held 12 meetings during Each director who served on the El Paso Board of Directors during 2004 attended at least 75 percent of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of each committee on which he served. The Board of Directors has established Ñve standing committees to assist the Board in carrying out its duties: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Governance & Nominating Committee, the Finance Committee and the Health, Safety & Environmental Committee. The current members of the Ñve standing committees are as follows: Governance & Health, Safety & Audit Compensation Nominating Finance Environmental Juan Carlos BraniÅ Joe B. Wyatt Anthony W. Hall, Jr. Robert W. Goldman John Whitmire (Chairman) (Chairman) (Chairman) (Chairman) (Chairman) Robert W. Goldman John M. Bissell James L. Dunlap John M. Bissell Anthony W. Hall, Jr. Thomas R. Hix James L. Dunlap William H. Joyce Juan Carlos BraniÅ William H. Joyce John Whitmire J. Michael Talbert Joe B. Wyatt Thomas R. Hix J. Michael Talbert You should note that Mr. Bissell is retiring and is not standing for reelection. Audit Committee The Audit Committee held 25 meetings during The Audit Committee currently consists of four non-employee directors, each of whom is ""independent'' as such term is deñned in Section 10A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the SEC rules thereunder, and the NYSE listing standards. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee possesses the necessary level of Ñnancial literacy required to enable him to serve eåectively as an Audit Committee member. No Audit Committee member serves on more than three audit committees of public companies, including El Paso's Audit Committee. El Paso maintains an Internal Audit Department to provide management and the Audit Committee with ongoing assessments of El Paso's risk management processes and system of internal controls. The Audit Committee's primary duties include: The provision of assistance to the Board of Directors in fulñlling its responsibilities with respect to the oversight of: - The integrity of El Paso's Ñnancial statements. - The evaluation and retention, including a review of the qualiñcations, independence and performance, of the independent auditor and any third party petroleum reserves engineer. - The performance of El Paso's internal audit and ethics and compliance functions. - El Paso's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and its Code of Business Conduct. - El Paso's risk management policies and procedures. The appointment, compensation, retention, oversight responsibility and dismissal of El Paso's independent auditing Ñrm or any other accounting Ñrm engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work, or performing other audit, review or attestation services. The pre-approval of all auditing services and allowable non-audit services provided to El Paso by its independent auditing Ñrm. The resolution of any disagreement between management and El Paso's auditor regarding Ñnancial reporting. The preparation of an Audit Committee Report to be included in El Paso's proxy statement, as required by the SEC. See page 34 of this proxy statement for the Audit Committee Report. 9

13 The appointment, compensation, retention, oversight responsibility and dismissal of any third party petroleum reserves engineer engaged for the purpose of reviewing or auditing El Paso's oil and gas reserves. The review of procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by El Paso regarding any accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. The review of El Paso's risk assessment and risk management guidelines and policies, including El Paso's signiñcant risk exposures and steps taken by management to monitor and control these exposures. El Paso's independent auditor reports directly to the Audit Committee. In addition, the Audit Committee provides an open avenue of communication between the internal auditors, the independent auditor and the Board. Interested parties may contact the Audit Committee members by following the process outlined in the Corporate Governance section of this proxy statement. The Audit Committee Charter can be found on our website at and is attached to this proxy statement as Exhibit A. Policy for Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Fees During 2004, the Audit Committee approved all the types of audit and permitted non-audit services which our independent auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, was to perform during the year and the cap on fees for each of these categories, as required under applicable law. The Audit Committee's current practice is to consider for pre-approval annually all categories of audit and permitted non-audit services proposed to be provided by our independent auditors for a Ñscal year. The Audit Committee will also consider for pre-approval annually the limit of fees and the manner in which the fees are determined for each type of pre-approved audit and non-audit services proposed to be provided by our independent auditors for the Ñscal year. The Audit Committee must separately pre-approve any service that is not included in the approved list of services or any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels. The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to the Chairman of the Audit Committee for services that need to be addressed between Audit Committee meetings. The Audit Committee is then informed of these pre-approval decisions, if any, at the next meeting of the Audit Committee. In selecting PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent auditor, the Audit Committee believes the provision of the audit and permitted non-audit services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is compatible with maintaining that Ñrm's independence. See ""Principal Accountant Fees and Services'' on page 55 of this proxy statement for the aggregate fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the Ñscal years ended December 31, 2004 and Compensation Committee The Compensation Committee held four meetings during The Compensation Committee currently consists of four non-employee directors, each of whom is ""independent'' as such term is deñned in (a) the NYSE listing standards, (b) the non-employee director standards of Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (c) the outside director requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Compensation Committee's primary functions are to: Review El Paso's executive compensation program to ensure that it is adequate to attract, motivate and retain competent executive personnel and is directly and materially related to the short-term and longterm objectives and operating performance of El Paso. Ensure that El Paso's executive equity-based plan, long-term incentive compensation plan, annual incentive compensation plan and other executive compensation plans are administered in accordance with El Paso's stated compensation objectives and make recommendations to the Board with respect to such plans, as necessary. Review appropriate criteria for establishing performance targets and determining annual corporate and executive performance ratings. 10

14 Review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to CEO compensation, evaluate the CEO's performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determine and approve the CEO's compensation level based on this evaluation. Review and approve goals and objectives relevant to director compensation, including annual retainer and meeting fees, and terms and awards of equity compensation and recommend changes to the full Board, if appropriate. Select, retain, evaluate, and, where appropriate, replace the independent executive compensation consulting Ñrm, and approve all related fees. Produce a Compensation Committee Report on executive compensation to be included in El Paso's proxy statement, as required by the SEC. The policies, mission and actions of the Compensation Committee are set forth in the Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation, which begins on page 27 of this proxy statement. The Compensation Committee Charter can be found on our website at Governance & Nominating Committee The Governance & Nominating Committee met seven times during The Governance & Nominating Committee currently consists of four non-employee directors, each of whom is ""independent'' as such term is deñned in the NYSE listing standards. The Board has delegated to the Governance & Nominating Committee its oversight responsibilities relating to corporate governance and the establishment of criteria for Board selection. The Governance & Nominating Committee's primary responsibilities are to: Develop and recommend to the Board corporate governance principles. Identify and review the qualiñcations of candidates for Board membership, screen possible candidates for Board membership and communicate with members of the Board regarding Board meeting format and procedures. Determine desired qualiñcations, expertise and characteristics and, to the extent the Governance & Nominating Committee deems necessary, conduct searches for potential candidates for Board membership with such attributes. The Governance & Nominating Committee has the sole authority and responsibility to select, evaluate, retain and, where appropriate, terminate any search Ñrm to be used to identify qualiñed director candidates, including the sole authority to approve such search Ñrm's fees and other retention terms. Ensure that El Paso has an appropriate policy on potential conöicts of interest, including, but not limited to, the policies on (1) related-party transactions (including any dealings with directors, oçcers or employees), and (2) such other transactions that could have the appearance of a potential conöict of interest. Monitor and report to the Board whether there is any current relationship between any director and El Paso that may adversely aåect the independent judgment of the director. Oversee the process of annual performance evaluations for the Board, each committee and directors. Act as a nominating committee and consider any nominations properly submitted by the stockholders to the Corporate Secretary in accordance with the Corporate Governance Guidelines, El Paso's By-laws and the process set forth in this proxy statement. Review and make recommendations regarding the Corporate Governance Guidelines. Provide recommendations regarding continuing director educational programs. The Governance & Nominating Committee Charter can be found on our website at 11

15 Nomination Process El Paso pays a third party search Ñrm a fee to assist in identifying, assessing qualiñcations and screening potential director nominees. The Governance & Nominating Committee will review any nominations from stockholders, other Board members, third party search Ñrms, executives and other such persons. The minimum qualiñcations that El Paso seeks for director nominees are set forth in its Corporate Governance Guidelines, which can be found on our website at Among other matters, the Board considers education; business, governmental and civic experience; diversity; communication, interpersonal and other required skills; independence; and other matters relevant to the Board's objectives. El Paso has a comprehensive process in place to identify and evaluate candidates to be nominated for director. The Governance & Nominating Committee identiñes the needs of the Board by asking each director to identify particular skills that will strengthen the Board, and that are in conformity with the goals identiñed in the Corporate Governance Guidelines. A third party search Ñrm is then retained to help identify and screen speciñc candidates. The Governance & Nominating Committee reviews the qualiñcations of the candidates presented and interviews the most qualiñed. The Governance & Nominating Committee recommends potential nominees to the full Board, which interviews the candidates and then makes nominations for election at the Annual Meeting. Each director nominee who appears on the ballot is recommended by the Governance & Nominating Committee to the full Board. Stockholders seeking to nominate persons for election as directors at the 2006 Annual Meeting must submit in writing a timely notice complying with El Paso's By-laws to Mr. David L. Siddall, Corporate Secretary, El Paso Corporation, P.O. Box 2511, Houston, Texas , telephone (713) and facsimile (713) To be timely for a stockholder seeking to bring any matter before the 2006 Annual Meeting, the stockholder's written notice must be received not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the Ñrst anniversary of the 2005 Annual Meeting. Under these criteria, stockholders must provide us with notice of nominations sought to be made at the 2006 Annual Meeting between January 26, 2006 and February 25, If the 2006 Annual Meeting is held more than 30 days before or 60 days after May 26, 2006, for a stockholder seeking to bring any matter before the 2006 Annual Meeting, the stockholder's written notice must be received not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days before the date of the 2006 Annual Meeting or by the tenth day after we publicly announce the date of the 2006 Annual Meeting, if that would result in a later deadline. Finance Committee The Finance Committee met six times during The Finance Committee currently consists of four non-employee directors, each of whom is ""independent'' as such term is deñned in the NYSE listing standards. The Finance Committee assists the Board in fulñlling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing and recommending appropriate action with respect to El Paso's capital structure, source of funds, payment of dividends, liquidity and Ñnancial position. The Finance Committee's primary functions are to: Review and recommend to the Board the long-range Ñnancial plan of El Paso. Recommend to the Board Ñnancial policies that maintain or improve the Ñnancial strength of El Paso. Develop and recommend dividend policies and recommend to the Board speciñc dividend payments. Review and approve terms and conditions of Ñnancing plans, including the issuance of securities, corporate borrowings, oå-balance sheet structures, investments and make recommendations to the Board of such Ñnancings. The Finance Committee Charter can be found on our website at 12

16 Health, Safety & Environmental Committee The Health, Safety & Environmental Committee was created in July 2004 and met three times during The Health, Safety & Environmental Committee currently consists of four non-employee directors, each of whom is ""independent'' as such term is deñned in the NYSE listing standards. The Health, Safety & Environmental Committee assists the Board in fulñlling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the Board's and El Paso's continuing commitment to improving the environment, ensuring the safety of El Paso's employees and ensuring that El Paso's businesses and facilities are operated and maintained in a safe manner. The Health, Safety & Environmental Committee's primary function is to review and provide oversight with regard to El Paso's policies, standards, accountabilities and programs relative to health, safety and environmental-related matters, including El Paso's pipeline integrity program. In this regard, the Health, Safety & Environmental Committee will advise the Board and make recommendations for the Board's consideration regarding health, safety and environmental-related issues. The Health, Safety & Environmental Committee Charter can be found on our website at Compensation for Non-Employee Directors The Compensation Committee, in consultation with an independent third-party consultant, periodically reviews non-employee director compensation and beneñts and recommends changes (if appropriate) to the full Board of Directors based upon competitive market practices. All members of the Board are reimbursed for their reasonable expenses for attending Board functions. Employee directors do not receive any additional compensation for serving on the Board of Directors. Pursuant to El Paso's 1995 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors and as provided under the 2005 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, which is being presented for approval at this Annual Meeting and will replace the 1995 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, if approved, non-employee directors receive an annual retainer of $80,000, $20,000 of which is required to be paid in deferred shares of El Paso common stock and the remaining $60,000 of which is paid at the election of the director in any combination of cash, deferred cash or deferred shares of common stock. To the extent a director receives deferred shares rather than cash, he is credited with deferred shares with a value representing a 25 percent premium to the cash retainer he would otherwise have received. For example, an individual director could receive $60,000 in cash and $25,000 ($20,000, plus $5,000 premium) in mandatory deferred common stock assuming he elects not to take additional deferred common stock or could receive $100,000 in deferred common stock assuming he elects to take his entire retainer in deferred common stock. Each non-employee director who chairs a Committee of the Board of Directors receives an additional retainer fee of $15,000, which may be paid in the same manner as the annual retainer (with a total up to $18,750 if he elects to take his entire retainer in deferred common stock). Each nonemployee director also receives a long-term equity credit in the form of deferred shares of El Paso common stock (excluding any premium) equal to the amount of the annual retainer (currently $80,000). Directors are not entitled to receive their deferred amounts until they cease to be a director of El Paso. Chairman of the Board Mr. Kuehn receives the same compensation and beneñts as the other non-employee directors, plus a cash payment of $33,750 per quarter to compensate him for the additional time spent on Board matters as Chairman of the Board. Special Committee Meeting Fees Ì Terminated Beginning in March 2003, if any Committee of the Board of Directors held a meeting other than in connection with a regularly scheduled Board meeting, then each non-management Committee member who attended in person (other than the Chairman of the Board and Lead Director, if one) received a meeting fee of $2,500 per day payable in cash. EÅective November 18, 2004, the Board decided that special committee meeting fees would no longer be paid and terminated this policy. 13

17 Total 2004 Non-Employee Director Compensation The following table reöects the compensation and beneñts our directors received during All Compensation Paid to Non-Employee Directors in 2004 All Deferred Shares of All Cash Fees Common Stock(2) Deferred Shares of Deferred Shares of Total Deferred Annual Board/ Special Common Stock Common Stock Shares Committee Chair Committee Total for Retainer/ for Long-Term of Common Cash Retainer Meeting Fees Cash Fees Chairman Fees Equity Credit Stock Director ($) ($)(1) ($) (#) (#) (#) John M. BissellÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ $ 15,000 $2,500 $ 17,500 8,035 8,524 16,559 Juan Carlos BraniÅ ÏÏÏÏ 56,250 2,500 58,750 5,940 8,524 14,464 James L. Dunlap ÏÏÏÏÏÏ 30, ,000 6,660 8,524 15,184 Robert W. Goldman ÏÏÏ 37,500 2,500 40,000 7,659 8,524 16,183 Anthony W. Hall, Jr. ÏÏ 75, ,000 2,664 8,524 11,188 Thomas R. HixÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 15, ,000 7,161 5,729 12,890 William H. Joyce ÏÏÏÏÏÏ 15, ,000 7,161 5,729 12,890 Ronald L. Kuehn, Jr.(3) 150, ,000 8,035 8,524 16,559 J. Michael Talbert ÏÏÏÏÏ 60, ,000 2,664 8,524 11,188 John L. Whitmire ÏÏÏÏÏ ,998 8,524 20,522 Joe B. WyattÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 54, ,375 5,644 8,524 14,168 Total ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ $508,125 $7,500 $515,625 73,621 88, ,795 (1) EÅective November 18, 2004, the special meeting fee paid to Committee members who attend in person a committee meeting other than in connection with a regularly scheduled Board meeting was terminated. See additional information about special committee meeting fees in the description above. (2) Deferred shares of common stock are credited quarterly and based on the fair market value of our common stock on that date. The amounts reöected in these columns do not include dividend equivalent reinvestments and gains on the deferred shares subsequent to the shares being credited to the directors' deferred accounts. Directors do not receive any of these shares until they cease to be a director of El Paso. (3) As described above, Mr. Kuehn receives the same compensation and beneñts as the other non-employee directors, plus a cash payment of $33,750 per quarter to compensate him for additional time spent as Chairman of the Board. Director Charitable Award Plan Ì Terminated The Director Charitable Award Plan was adopted in January 1992 to provide for each eligible director to designate up to four charitable organizations to receive a maximum of $1,000,000 in the aggregate upon the death of each director participant. A director was eligible to participate after two consecutive years of service on the Board of Directors. The Director Charitable Award Plan was terminated on December 4, 2003, with respect to any new participants, including current directors that have not served on the Board for at least two years as of the date the plan was terminated. Messrs. Bissell, BraniÅ, Hall, Kuehn and Wyatt are eligible to participate in this plan. Based on the current level of participation (including eleven former directors), the annual pre-funding amounts are estimated to be approximately $142,000 per year plus administrative costs. 14

18 PROPOSAL NO. 1 Ì Election of Directors The Board. You will have the opportunity to elect our entire Board of Directors, consisting of 12 members, at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Bissell has reached the mandatory retirement age pursuant to El Paso's Corporate Governance Guidelines and is not standing for reelection. All of our other incumbent directors are standing for reelection and we have added one new nominee, Robert F. Vagt, who was recommended to the Governance & Nominating Committee by a third party search Ñrm. All directors are elected annually, and serve a one-year term and until his successor has been duly elected and shall qualify. Nominations. as directors. At the Annual Meeting, we will nominate the 12 persons named in this proxy statement The 12 nominees who receive the highest number of votes at the Annual Meeting will be elected. Broker non-votes, if any, will not be counted in determining the election of directors. OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE ""FOR'' THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES NAMED BELOW. General Information about the Nominees for Election, as of March 28, Each of the following nominees has agreed to be named in this proxy statement and to serve as a director if elected. Juan Carlos BraniÅ Director since 1997 Business Consultant Age Ì 47 Chairman Ì Audit Committee Member Ì Finance Committee Mr. BraniÅ has been a business consultant since January He served as Vice Chairman of Grupo Financπero BBVA Bancomer from October 1999 to January 2004, as Deputy Chief Executive OÇcer of Retail Banking from September 1994 to October 1999 and as Executive Vice President of Capital Investments and Mortgage Banking from December 1991 to September James L. Dunlap Director since 2003 Business Consultant Age Ì 67 Member Ì Compensation Committee Member Ì Governance & Nominating Committee Mr. Dunlap's primary occupation has been as a business consultant since He served as Vice Chairman, President and Chief Operating OÇcer of Ocean Energy/United Meridian Corporation from 1996 to He was responsible for exploration and production and the development of the international exploration business. For 33 years prior to that date, Mr. Dunlap served Texaco, Inc. in various positions, including Senior Vice President, President of Texaco USA, President and Chief Executive OÇcer of Texaco Canada Inc. and Vice Chairman of Texaco Ltd., London. Mr. Dunlap is currently a member of the board of directors of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, a trustee of the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, a trustee of the Culver Educational Foundation and a member of the Corporation of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. 15

19 Douglas L. Foshee Director since 2003 President and Chief Executive OÇcer, El Paso Corporation, Houston, Texas Ì DiversiÑed Energy Company Age Ì 45 Mr. Foshee has been President, Chief Executive OÇcer and a director of El Paso since September He became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating OÇcer of Halliburton Company in 2003, having joined that company in 2001 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OÇcer. In December 2003, several subsidiaries of Halliburton, including DII Industries and Kellogg Brown & Root, Ñled for bankruptcy protection whereby the subsidiaries jointly resolved their asbestos claims. These claims were successfully resolved in Prior to assuming his position at Halliburton, Mr. Foshee was President, Chief Executive OÇcer, and Chairman of the Board of Nuevo Energy Company. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Foshee served Torch Energy Advisors Inc. in various capacities, including Chief Operating OÇcer and Chief Executive OÇcer. Robert W. Goldman Director since 2003 Business Consultant Age Ì 62 Chairman Ì Finance Committee Member Ì Audit Committee Mr. Goldman's primary occupation has been as a business consultant since October He served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial OÇcer of Conoco Inc. from 1998 to 2002 and Vice President, Finance from 1991 to For more than Ñve years prior to that date, he held various executive positions with Conoco Inc. and E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc. Mr. Goldman was also formerly Vice President and Controller of Conoco Inc. and Chairman of the Accounting Committee of the American Petroleum Institute. He is currently Vice President, Finance of the World Petroleum Council, and a member of the board of directors of Tesoro Corporation and the Executive Committee of the board of The Alley Theatre. Anthony W. Hall, Jr. Director since 2001 Chief Administrative OÇcer, City of Houston, Texas Age Ì 60 Chairman Ì Governance & Nominating Committee Member Ì Health, Safety & Environmental Committee Mr. Hall has been Chief Administrative OÇcer of the City of Houston since January He served as the City Attorney for the City of Houston from March 1998 to January He served as a director of The Coastal Corporation from August 1999 to January Prior to March 1998, Mr. Hall was a partner in the Houston law Ñrm of Jackson Walker, LLP. He is a director of Houston Endowment Inc. and Chairman of the Boulπe Foundation. 16

20 Thomas R. Hix Director since 2004 Business Consultant Age Ì 57 Member Ì Audit Committee Member Ì Finance Committee Mr. Hix has been a business consultant since January He served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial OÇcer of Cooper Cameron Corporation from January 1995 to January From September 1993 to April 1995, Mr. Hix served as Senior Vice President of Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial OÇcer of The Western Company of North America. Mr. Hix is a member of the board of directors of The OÅshore Drilling Company and Health Care Service Corporation. William H. Joyce Director since 2004 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive OÇcer, Nalco Company, Naperville, Illinois Ì Water Treatment, Process Chemicals and Service Company Age Ì 69 Member Ì Governance & Nominating Committee Member Ì Health, Safety & Environmental Committee Dr. Joyce has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive OÇcer of Nalco Company since November From May 2001 to October 2003, he served as Chief Executive OÇcer of Hercules Inc. In 2001, Dr. Joyce served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Dow Chemical Corporation following its merger with Union Carbide Corporation. Dr. Joyce was named Chief Executive OÇcer of Union Carbide Corporation in 1995 and Chairman of the Board in Prior to 1995, Dr. Joyce served in various positions with Union Carbide. Dr. Joyce is a director of CVS Corporation and Celanese Corporation. Ronald L. Kuehn, Jr. Director since 1999 Chairman of the Board, El Paso Corporation, Houston, Texas Ì DiversiÑed Energy Company Age Ì 69 Mr. Kuehn is currently the Chairman of the El Paso Board. Mr. Kuehn was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive OÇcer from March 2003 to September From September 2002 to March 2003, Mr. Kuehn was the Lead Director of El Paso. From January 2001 to March 2003, he was a business consultant. Mr. Kuehn served as non-executive Chairman of the Board of El Paso from October 25, 1999 to December 31, Mr. Kuehn served as President and Chief Executive OÇcer of Sonat Inc. from June 1984 until his retirement on October 25, He was Chairman of the Board of Sonat Inc. from April 1986 until his retirement. He is a director of AmSouth Bancorporation, Praxair, Inc. and The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation. 17

21 J. Michael Talbert Director since 2003 Chairman of the Board, Transocean Inc. Houston, Texas Ì OÅshore Drilling Company Age Ì 58 Member Ì Compensation Committee Member Ì Health, Safety & Environmental Committee Mr. Talbert has been Chairman of the Board of Transocean Inc. since October He served as Chief Executive OÇcer of Transocean Inc. and its predecessor companies from 1994 until October 2002, and has been a member of its board of directors since He served as President and Chief Executive OÇcer of Lone Star Gas Company from 1990 to He served as President of Texas Oil & Gas Company from 1987 to 1990, and served in various positions at Shell Oil Company from 1970 to Mr. Talbert is a director of The OÅshore Drilling Company. Mr. Talbert is a past Chairman of the National Ocean Industries Association and a member of the University of Akron's College of Engineering Advancement Council. Robert F. Vagt President, Davidson College Davidson, North Carolina Ì Higher Education Age Ì 58 Nominee Mr. Vagt has been President of Davidson College since He served as President and Chief Operating OÇcer of Seagull Energy Corporation from 1996 to From 1992 to 1996, Mr. Vagt served as President, Chairman and Chief Executive OÇcer of Global Natural Resources. He served as President and Chief Operating OÇcer of Adobe Resources Corporation from 1989 to Prior to 1989, Mr. Vagt served in various positions with Adobe Resources Corporation and its predecessor entities. He is a member of the board of directors of Cornell Companies, Inc. John L. Whitmire Director since 2003 Chairman of the Board, CONSOL Energy, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Ì Multifuel Energy Provider and Energy Service Provider Age Ì 64 Chairman Ì Health, Safety & Environmental Committee Member Ì Audit Committee Mr. Whitmire has been Chairman of CONSOL Energy, Inc. since He served as Chairman and Chief Executive OÇcer of Union Texas Petroleum Holdings, Inc. from 1996 to 1998, and spent over 30 years serving Phillips Petroleum Company in various positions including Executive Vice President of Worldwide Exploration and Production from 1992 to 1996 and Vice President of North American Exploration and Production from 1988 to He also served as a member of the Phillips Petroleum Company Board of Directors from 1994 to He is a member of the board of directors of GlobalSantaFe Inc. 18

22 Joe B. Wyatt Director since 1999 Chancellor Emeritus, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee Ì Higher Education Age Ì 69 Chairman Ì Compensation Committee Member Ì Governance & Nominating Committee Mr. Wyatt has been Chancellor Emeritus of Vanderbilt University since August For eighteen years prior to that date, he served as Chancellor, Chief Executive OÇcer and Trustee of Vanderbilt University. Prior to joining Vanderbilt University, Mr. Wyatt was a member of the faculty and Vice President of Harvard University. From 1984 until October 1999, Mr. Wyatt was a director of Sonat Inc. He is a director of Ingram Micro, Inc. and Hercules, Inc. He is a principal of the Washington Advisory Group and Chairman of the Universities Research Association. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth information as of March 15, 2005 (unless otherwise noted) regarding beneñcial ownership of common stock by each director and nominee, our Chief Executive OÇcer, the other four most highly compensated executive oçcers in the last Ñscal year, our directors and executive oçcers as a group and each person or entity known by El Paso to own beneñcially more than Ñve percent of its outstanding shares of common stock. No family relationship exists between any of the directors or executive oçcers of El Paso. BeneÑcial Ownership Stock Percent Title of Class Name of BeneÑcial Owner (Excluding Options)(1) Options(2) Total of Class Common Stock PaciÑc Financial Research Inc.(3)ÏÏÏÏÏÏ 78,130, ,130, % 9601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 800 Beverly Hills, CA Common Stock Brandes Investment Partners, L.L.C.(3) 71,441, ,441, % El Camino Real Suite 500 San Diego, CA Common Stock State Street Bank and Trust Company(3) ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 32,321, ,321, % P.O. Box 1389 Boston, MA Common Stock J.M. Bissell ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 71,605 12,000 83,605 * Common Stock J.C. BraniÅ ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 72,080(4) 21,000 93,080 * Common Stock J.L. Dunlap ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 33,508(5) 8,000 41,508 * Common Stock R.W. Goldman ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 37,245 8,000 45,245 * Common Stock A.W. Hall, Jr. ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 47,990 12,000 59,990 * Common Stock T.R. Hix ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 12, ,923 * Common Stock W.H. Joyce ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 13, ,923 * Common Stock R.L. Kuehn, Jr. ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 320,923(6) 502, ,223 * Common Stock J.M. Talbert ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 26,522 8,000 34,522 * Common Stock R.F. VagtÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 3, ,000 * Common Stock J.L. Whitmire ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 42,747 8,000 50,747 * Common Stock J.B. Wyatt ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 59,934 14,000 73,934 * Common Stock D.L. FosheeÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 401, , ,659 * Common Stock J.W. Somerhalder II ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ 365, , ,902 * 19